Inner fender cover plates, what are they for?

[Dino]

I don't have a picture handy but everyone with a 2nd gen will know what I'm talking about.  On either side of the car, right in front of the shock tower and above the frame rail in the engine bay is a removable plate.  What is their purpose? 

[bill440rt]

Access to the upper control arm cam bolts for easier adjustment during wheel alignment.

[Dino]

Thanks Bill   

[bull]

I knew what they were for but I've always wondered why they went with steel plates at the front of the UCAs and rubber at the back instead of just rubber on all four. I guess maybe it was for aesthetic purposes in the engine compartment because you really can't see the back ones that well.

[tan top]

wondered that too , steel front , rubber at the  back     never bothered putting any of mine back on after the resto , figuring wanting as much air flow in engine bay as I could 

[Hard Charger]

my alignment shop never seems to use those windows.

[Troy]

You realize that there's a large number of members on this site that are sitting there asking "what plates?"

Probably one of the most frequently missing parts on these cars.

Troy

[ODZKing]

One of mine on the 73 is the rubber-like skirt.  But the other is metal.

[Mike DC]

You realize that there's a large number of members on this site that are sitting there asking "what plates?" Wink

Probably one of the most frequently missing parts on these cars.

Troy

There were plates there from the factory?  Yeah right.  Whatever. 

Next you'll be trying to tell me that '69 grilles didn't come from the factory with those dents in the center divider.

[Troy]

You know, that GTO grill they used in 1969 would have been a great place for proximity sensors! I think they dropped the ball by making it "park by sound". How you mash the grill without the bumper hitting is beyond me. Obviously a lot of people figured it out though!

Troy

[JB400]

You know, that GTO grill they used in 1969 would have been a great place for proximity sensors! I think they dropped the ball by making it "park by sound". How you mash the grill without the bumper hitting is beyond me. Obviously a lot of people figured it out though!

Troy

Probably from parking behind trucks with the tailgate down.   No, I haven't done it and don't plan to either.

[HeavyFuel]

I knew what they were for but I've always wondered why they went with steel plates at the front of the UCAs and rubber at the back instead of just rubber on all four. I guess maybe it was for aesthetic purposes in the engine compartment because you really can't see the back ones that well.

The brake lines run through the rear covers (pass side at least)......probably rubber to prevent possible wear on the line, metal to metal contact. 

[Lord Warlock]

I pulled off my rear plate this afternoon to gain access to the exhaust manifold bolts easier, but found out that it wasn't rubber like i thought it was, it was like a thick cardboard that cracked as i pulled it out.  Held on with trim clips to the inner fender.  The front plate has been off for years, don't have a clue what i did with them.  Probably tossed it in the same trash can as the vapor lock cannister on fuel line.